I felt you kick

Baby,

I got to feel you move for the first time today.  I am 17 weeks and 5 days.  I had a busy Thursday with your siblings and it was the end of the day.  I had gotten myself all ready for bed, then stretched out and placed my head on the pillow.  I was tired and ready for sleep.  I closed my eyes and, BOOM, they you were.  You gave me about 10 seconds of flutter kicks, and I loved it.  I told your father, but of course he can't feel you yet.  Im so thankful to be far enough along to start to feel you. 

Then the very next day, I went to a weight lifting class at Adcope Athletic Club.  It was a normal class, but lifting weights has become a lot harder for me with your growing little body.  After the class my abdomen just hurt.  I was cramping and felt a lot of pressure.  I felt so stupid for not listing to my body and doing less weights.  Well, I took a shower then came right home.  Eli and I jumped in bed and I put my feet up.  And that is when you started talking to me.  You moved, and kicked, and twilled.  As I was laying there I felt you for about 5 minutes in total.  And I know you were trying to tell me to take it easy. 

And I heard.  Mommy's not going to run/weight train anymore.  Your health is way more important.  

AND just now as I'm writing this you kicked me again.  I sure love your sense of humor.

Love,
Mom

Your first appointments

Hi baby,
I had my first OB appointment at 12 weeks.  Your doctor is Dr. Urquheart.  He has a really dry personality, but came very highly recommended.  Daddy and Eli came with us on our first appointment.  It was a long appointment, but the highlight was hearing your heart-beat on the Doppler.  It was a strong heart-beat.  Hearing it sure make me smile.

The Doctor went over my history and saw all the pre-mature deliveries I have had.  St. Joseph's doesn't deliver babies before 35 weeks.  So, we got helicopter insurance just in case.  But the goal for you is to get to 37 weeks and then have a repeat C-secion.  So please stay in long enough for me to have a normal delivery this time.   Grow strong, but please stay in until the time is right.  

Your second appointment was at 16 weeks.  I again got to hear your strong-little-heart-beat.  But the doctor went to deliver another baby, so we didn't get to see him.  Our next appointment will be an ultrasound.  I am so excited to see your little growing body. I already love you so much.

Love,
Mother 

You and Mommy are staring to grow.

About Your Family

Your Father is Leif Kanooth.  He is a hospitalist at St. Joseph's Hospital.  Your Daddy works12 hours shifts of 7 days on then 7 days off.  On his days off Leif loves spending it with family.  He is such a good Daddy, and spoils your siblings a lot.  Leif's passion or hobby is anything outdoors.  Leif loves planning camping, hiking, biking or rock-climbing trips.  He enjoys movies and just being with the family.  He also loves wrestling and helped coach the Clarkston wresting team this last year.  Your Daddy is so excited for you to come into our family so he can take you on many adventures. 

 

Your Mother is Rachel Ann Kanooth.  Your mother loves being a mom, and can't wait for you to enter our family.  Your mother was a special education teacher for 7 years.  Now she substitute teaches for the Clarkston School District.  Mom's favorite place to sub is in Micah and Savannah's classroom.  Your mother currently helps coach Special Olympics for track and field.  Her love is running.  In fact she is still running with you in the belly!!  She enjoys races and being outdoors.  Your mother is the music director in Primary and loves Primary songs.  She enjoys serving and socializing with others.  But most of all vales her children and being with them. 

 

Kaden in your brother in heaven.  I am sure you have already meet him.  He came to this earth, just to get a body.  Now he is a missionary in heaven and doing the Lord's work.  Kaden is our families guardian angel.  He comes to visit whenever we need him. We miss him.

 

Savannah is your older sister.  She will be turning 6 very soon, and is currently in kindergarten.  Savannah says she loves 3 R's.  They are reading, running, and rock-climbing.  Savannah is also very good at art, and loves the outdoors.  She is a big helper and a huge peacemaker.  Savannah does of great job of helping take car of baby Eli. I know she will love taking care of you too.

Micah is your oldest brother.  He too is almost 6 and in Kindergarten.  Micah is a little clown.  He likes to make others laugh.  In school he will do silly things, and enjoys telling jokes.  Micah also likes art, along with collecting odd things.  He has the best throw and wants to start baseball.  Micah loves the outdoors and fires.  He is constantly asking your father to build a fire in the backyard.   

 

Eli is your older brother.  You two are going to become great friends.  If I could describe Eli in a few words it would be; cars, trucks, trains, balls, tags and candy.  He LOVES things that go.  In fact that is really all he ever plays with.  He has a little taggie blanket, with trains on it, that he carries around everywhere he goes.  Eli knows how to get what he wants but is still the sweetest boy. He loves cuddling with his mommy and playing car games with his daddy.  And as of now, he has fire red hair.

 

this is us on Easter.  I am 9 weeks pregnant with you.